Paper dispenser



Aug. 13, 1957 R. covEL.

PAPER DISPENSER 2 Sheet eet 1 Filed May 13 55 INVENTOR' .RU/pfi Co Va, By

Aug. 13, 1957 R. COVEL PAPER DISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 15, 1955 INVENTOR.

Ralph Cove! A Ito nay.

United-States This invention relates to a dispenser, made of cardboard or paper, tor'disp'enising stacked wax paper sheets, or the like and, more particularly, it relates to an improvement in such dispenser to prevent the top sheet, which projects through the dispensing slot from falling back into the box, particularly when a number of the sheets have been dispensedpthereby leavinga substantial space between the top sheet and the dispensing slot.

An outstanding disadvantage of conventional types of cardboard dispensersfor wax paper and other interfolded paper sheets is thatias the height of the stack decreases, so as to leave a space between the top sheet and the dispensing slot, there is a very great tendency for the top sheet, which should remain projected through and outside of the slot, to drop down into the box instead, therefore requiring the user to dig down into the box, through the slot, in an attempt' to retrieve the top sheet. This is both difficult and time, consuming and oftentimes results in ruining of theboxby? "abnormal opening of the slot, or theflwithdrawal of more thanone sheet of paper as ordinarily desired.

An object of. my invention is, to overcome the above named disadvantagesof conventional wax paper dispensers of the cardboard type, and, more specifically, to provide means tfor automatically keeping the top sheet of the dispensed paper. stack, substantially at the same height as the dispensing slot at all times, regardless of the number of sheets dispensed, so as to prevent the occurrence of i a space between the top sheet and dispensing slot, and thus avoid the possibility of dropping of the projecting sheet into the box so as to give rise to the above mentioned ditficulty.

A more specific object of my invention is to provide a paper lboardor cardboard container. which may. be made from a single blank, and which involves a separate, relatively movable lid or top which is yieldably held down by rubber bands against the top. sheet of the paper stack at all times. so as to prevent occurrence of a space between the lid-and top sheet of the stack.

"Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the following description takenwvith theaccompanying drawing wherein:

Figure lfis aplan view of a single blank of paper or cardboard, showing how the blank is cut, slittecl and perforated. for making-a paPfir dispensing box embodying the principles of my invention;

Figure 2 is. a fragmentary perspective view showing the blank of Figure 1 in an intermediate, partly folded condition showing. how. the rubber bands pare temporarily held;

Figure 3. shows a paper dispensing box made from the blank shown in Figures 1 and 2 and in its final or completed stage; I

Figure 4 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along line 1V; I. 1of Figure 3 Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modi- [fieation involving an open sided paper dispensing box;

Figure 61's a,fragmentaryperspective view of a box atent rubber bands;

instead of loops.

similar to Figure 5 "but showing a modification in the structure for supporting the rubber bands;

Figure 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a further modification of the means for supporting the Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a still further modification and illustrating the box with its end portion open, in readiness for receiving therethrough a stack of paper, and just before the end wall flaps are sealed; and! Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to Figure 8 but showing the use of pieces of rubber bands Referring more particularly to Figure 1, numeral 1 denotes a single sheet or blank of stiff paper, paper board or cardboard, such as used for making paper dispensing cartons, andcomprising a bottom panel 2, side panels 3 and end panels 4, all of which panels are formed by scored lines or perforations shownin dotted lines. A pair of bottom tabs 4a are provided by cutting along the lines shown in full, so that the bottom tabs will have serrated portions which will interlock with, and which will be held more securely by, the bottom panel 2. "End flaps or wings 5 are provided at both sides of end panels 4- by. additional lines or perforations. End panels 4 are each provided with a pair of rubber band retaining slots It).

The lid or top. portion of the box comprises top panel 6 having a central dispensing'slot cut out thereof bounded by flaps 7 and having a top side flap it as well as top end flaps 9, which end flaps have integrally secured thereto tabs 9 which are-slit orcut. along thenfull lines indicated. a i

In assembling, the box fromthe single, fiat, blank 1, the side panels 3: and; end panels 4, are. bent upwardly at right angles to the bottom panel 2, as shown in Figure 2 and the end flaps 5 are, then glued to side panels 3 to form the container. A pair of rubber 'bands'lll are then looped about bot-tom tabs 4a and the rubber band retaining slots 10 (after the tabs are projectedupwardly from bottom panel 2; see also Figure 4) and thereafter the tabs 4a are moved into locking relationship with the correspondingly cutout and serrated portion of the bottom panel 2. A stack of sheets of paper to be dispensed,

such as wax paper sheets 12, is then placed in the box so as to rest on tabs 4a, therefore holding them securely in locking position. The lid portion of the box is then bent along the scored lines indicated in dotted lines and tabs 9a are, raised. After the top panel or lid 6 is lowered into the closed position as shown in Figure 3 the rubber bands 11 are then unhooked from slots 10 and looped about the top tabs 9a, instead, as shown in Figure 3. It should be particularly noted in Figure 4' that the rubber bands extend inside the Fooxand are therefore concealed. by end panels 4. It should be also noted that there are two rubber bands 11, one at each end of the box, and thatboth rubber bands are mounted by the same type of tab means, that is, by a lower tab 4a.and upper tabs 9a similar to those shown in Figure 2.

Finally the lid 6 is, cut along its side edge do by any suitable cutter or knife -(not shown) so as to completely separate the lid from the remainder of the box and so that the rubber bands 11 will yie'ldingly hold the lid downwardly against the top sheet of the stack 12 at all times. Tab 9a may be then folded into interlockingrelationship with lid 6 and may be securely held therein, if desired, although not absolutely necessary, by applying pressure sensitive tape over the serrated edges of the tabs and lid, 6. This is true alsowith regard to the bot tom tabs. 4 1. Thus the box or carton is completely enclosed and/the rubber bands 11 cannot be seen since they are completely contained within the box. The stack of paper 12 may be either in the form of separate sheets or interfolded sheets. Assume that they are interfolded sheets of wax paper. The top 'sheet'12 is projected outwardly of the dispensing slot through flaps 7.. Thus as the top sheet 12 is pulled outwardly the next 'sheet will be pulled along with its trailing portion through the slot in readiness to be dispensed. i

As the sheets 12 are dispensed, the lid 6 is automati cally lowered, that is, it is always automatically and yieldably held on top of the uppermost sheet regardless of how low the supply is. Thus, projection of the top sheet 12 through the dispensing slot is alwaysYassured and there is no tendency for it to drop into the box as a consequence of lowering of the level of the stack. Rubber bands 11 will continue to pull lid 6 downwardly as sheets 12 are dispensed until the lower edge of the top flaps 8 and 9 contact the bottom of the box so as to arrest further lowering of the lid. However, at this time, the lid is lowered sufiiciently so as to prevent any likelihood of falling through of the top sheet 12. Therefore top sheet 12 will always project from the dispensing slot regardless of how few sheets are left in the box.

Figure shows a modification of the invention wherein the box 17 is formed with open sides and with integral, upstanding corner portions 15 and downwardly projecting tabs 17a at the ends of the box. A separate lid 16 is provided with upturned flaps 7 to form a dispensing.

slot, also it is provided with upstanding end tabs 16a. Thus the rubber band 11 may be secured to the box by encircling the pair of bottom tabs 17a and the pair of top tabs 16a so as to yieldingly hold down the lid 16 on the top of the stack at all times regardless of how many sheets are dispensed.

Figure 6 shows a still further modification having end panels 20 and open sides such as shown in Figure 5.

However, an independent and separate lid 21 has cut out,

therefrom, tabs 21a about which rubber bands 11 are looped. A single rubber band is looped about opposite tabs 21a and so that the rubber band extends along the outside of the bottom of the box as shown in Figure 6. A similar band and pair of tabs is provided at the other end of the box (not shown).

A further modification is illustrated in Figure 7, wherein instead of having the rubber bands extend under the bottom of the box, a pair of rubber bands are provided, each at opposite side portions, and each rubber band being looped about a top tab 25:: and a bottom tab 26a, but only after passing along the interior insteadof the exterior of the box, including a lid 25 and side panels 26 and similar to the construction shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Thus the rubber bands are almost entirely concealed. Four rubber bands are provided, a pair at one side and another pair at the other side of the box.

Figure 8 shows a still further modification of a disposable paperboard box for dispensing a stack of wax paper sheets or the like in accordance with my invention. The sides, lid and bottom panels of the box are made continuous by sealing side flap 31 ,of a single blank sheet to the inner surfaceand bottom strip ofend wall'40. Pleats 32 are provided at both sides of the lid 33. An end flap 34 is foldable downwardly from the endsof the lid about /2" or so. Continuous with the bottom portion of the box are end panels, such as 35, having side flaps 35a. the outside of the bottom panel, that is, along the edge between it and the end panel 35, as shown in dotted lines, and along the inside of both side panels 40; and on the 'outside of the lid 33 adjacent the ends, as shown. Short slits of about A" are provided at 36, 37, 38 and 39 for securely locking the rubber band 11 in place. The pleats are shown somewhat expanded to more clearly illustrate their construction, however, actually the pleats are folded A rubber band 11 is looped so as to extend along "box, for yieldably holding 'paper sheets.

so as to be substantially in the panels 40.

In operation, when the box is in the position shown with its end open, a stack of paper sheets may be fed therein through theloop provided between the two rubber bands 11 (since there is a rubber band on each end of the box similar to that .shown in the drawing.) The end flap 34 is then turned downwardly and the end panel 35 is bent upwardly and the flaps 35a thereof are glued to the side panels 40. By a suitable knife or cutter, either edges 41 or 42 are cut so as to free the lid 33 and at least a portion of the guiding pleats 32 from the nemainder of the box and so as to allow the rubber bands 11 at both ends of. the box to yieldably hold down the lid onto the stack of interfolded papers which are to be dispensed throughthe dispensing slot 45. Thus the rubber bands are entirely concealed and the stack is comsame planes as side pletcly encircled thereby.

7 panel of the box.

Similarly. other modifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of the teachings of my invention.

" Thus it will be seen that I have provided an eflicient paper dispensing box or carton of a construction in which the lid is automatically and yieldably held down against the top of the stack of papers to be dispensed, at

all times, so as to insure that no spacing will occur between the lid and top sheet, such as might cause the top I sheet to fall into the box and involve difiiculty in retrieving; furthermore I have provided a paper dispensing carton of novel construction which can be made from a single sheet or blank of heavy paper or cardboard and in which novel anchoring means are provided for rubber bands which automatically holding the lid on the top of j the stack, and wherein there is :10 lost space in the box because of the introduction of the rubber bands, and

wherein the rubber bands may be completely concealed so as not to detract from the appearance of the box;

furthermore I have provided a paper carton construction involving tab arrangements for securely anchoring the rubber bands in a manner so as to effectively pull the lid downwardly and automatically at all times onto the top of the stack of paper so as to insure that the top sheet will always be projected from the dispensing slot, irrespective of how low the supply of paper has become.

While I have illustrated and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that these are by way of illustration only and that various changes and modifications may be made within the contemplation of my invention and within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A disposable, dispensing box for a stack of paper sheets, comprising a substantially rectangular'paper container, a separate lid independent of said container, and having a dispensing slot, and means including. a rubber band secured to said lid and to the bottom of said box for yieldably holding down said lid onto the top of a stack of sheets to be dispensed.

2. A disposable dispensing box for a stack of paper sheets, comprising a substantially rectangular paper container and a separate lid independent of said box and having a dispensing slot, tabs cut out of the end portions of said lid and the end portions of the bottom of said box, and separate rubber bands encircling the tabs on the lid and on the bottom of the box, at both ends of the down the lid on the stack of 3. The combination as recited in claim 2 wherein said tabs have serrated edges for more securely inter-locking with the adjoining portion of the box.

4. A dispensing carton for a stack of interfolded paper sheets, comprising, in combination, an integral blank of cardboard cut and folded to define a substantially rectangular portion having bottom, side and end walls and a separate lid, tabs cut out within end portions of said bottom wall and of said lid, a rubber band at each end of the box encircling the tabs at the end portions of the bottom wall and the tabs at the corresponding end portion of the lid and extending inside the box, for yieldably pressing the lid downwardly onto the stack of sheets, said stack being supported on the tabs in the bottom of the box for securely locking them in place.

5. A disposable paper container for dispensing sheets of wax paper and the like arranged in a stack, said container comprising a substantially rectangular receptacle having upstanding corner portions and open side wall and end wall portions, a separate lid having a central dispensing slot and having tabs extending upwardly from the end walls of the lid, tabs integrally formed and extending downwardly from the bottom of the end walls of said container, a pair of rubber bands, each encircling said tabs of the lid and end wall of the box at one end thereof for yieldably holding the lid downwardly on the stack of sheets to be dispensed, whereby there will be no appreciable space between the lid and top sheet of the stack irrespective of the number of sheets dispensed.

6. A disposable paper container for dispensing sheets of wax paper and the like arranged in a stack, said container comprising a substantially rectangular receptacle having upstanding corner portions and open side wall and end wall portions, a separate lid having a central dispensing slot and having tabs extending upwardly from the side walls thereof; and a rubber band encircling said tabs and extending around and outside the bottom of the box for yieldably holding the lid of the box in engagement at all times with the top sheet of the stack of paper to be dispensed.

7. The dispensing container as recited in claim 6 together with tabs formed in confronting relationship with said tabs but on the bottom wall portion of said box and wherein a pair of rubber bands are provided one on each side of the box, each for encircling the confronting tabs on the lid and bottom wall portions of the box.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,603,714 Rappleye Oct. 19, 1926 1,696,556 Schofer Dec. 25, 1928 2,176,452 Chotfel Oct. 17, 1939 2,621,787 Harris Dec. 16, 1952 

